What are the typical penalties for a first DUI conviction in Illinois?

DUI laws in Illinois mete out stiff punishments to offenders, as those drivers who are convicted of DUI for the first time find out. Generally you can expect four different factors to play a role in how severe your penalties are likely to be:

• Your blood alcohol content
• Your age (under age DUI carries even more penalties)
• If there was one or more passengers in your car who were under 16
• If there were other aggravating circumstances surrounding your arrest

First time DUI convictions result in losing your drivers license for a full year. You can be imprisoned for up to one year and you might have to pay a fine as high as $2,500. If you refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test when arrested, your license will be suspended for 12 months in addition to any other suspension you may receive.

Zero Tolerance for Under 21

Illinois is a "zero tolerance" state which means that any amount of alcohol in a driver under 21 is too much alcohol. If you are under 21 and convicted of DUI you will lose your license for a minimum of 2 years, face up to a year in prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

Aggravating Circumstances

If you were involved in an accident when you were arrested for DUI and other people suffered severe injuries and then you were subsequently convicted of your first DUI, you would face increased penalties including:

• Up to 12 years in prison
• Fines up to $2,500
• License suspension for at least one year

Any DUI conviction, even a first one is an extremely serious event in your life. If you have been arrested for DUI contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. You need an experienced attorney on your side representing your rights, and presenting the best possible defense.